In these uncertain times, people have been turning to comfort food to derive a sense of well-being. There’s something about rich food that evoke fond memories or feelings of being loved and nurtured. This was reflected in the continuous brisk sales of nawwTy’s kitchen, the home catering service of entrepreneur Trish Panlilio.

A homebody, she welcomed the lockdown. “I enjoy alone time at home and doing what I love to do most—cooking and mothering my boys. In regular times, they were mostly at work or in school,” she said.

NawwTy’s kitchen is proud of its menu of comfort food from family recipes.

“We have not taken a pause since our launch almost eight years ago,” said Panlilio. “The only difference is that the lockdown and the crisis have made us busier than we have ever been.”

Beef lasagna is the most popular dish during lockdown

Aside from using courier services, nawwTy’s kitchen has its own riders. “We wanted to ensure that all deliveries didn’t compromise the quality of food and its presentation,” she said.

Lasagna al forno (beef lasagna) topped the list of most popular dishes during the lockdown. The lasagna noodles absorb the tomato and beef sauce well. The gooey strands of fresh mozzarella enhance the eating experience. The vegetarian alternative, eggplant parmigiana, is lush and silky. The eggplant acts as juicy sponge for the flavors of fruity olive oil and tart tomato.

The slow-baked ribs are popular for “fall-off-the-bone” tenderness. The strong rub and powerful flavor give the meat its kick.

The coriander crab with garlicky soba is briny shellfish atop buckwheat noodles. It’s a complex mix of flavors, of the fattiness and blossoming sweetness of crab, the citrusy flavor of coriander, highlighted by garlic mellowed by the cooking.

Signature dish

The signature dish of crab fat paella is flavorful and gratifying with the melting richness of the shellfish. Festooned with pork cracklings, crab meat, calamansi and chilies, it guarantees that every bite has interesting texture.

The dark but tender rice of paella negra has curls of shrimps, squid, lemon slices and peppers. The squid ink’s delicate flavor is balanced by the creaminess of homemade aioli, a mix of olive oil, garlic and secret ingredients.

The classic fudge brownie has been the most requested item during the lockdown. Dense but moist, the brownie has intense bittersweet chocolate flavor and richness from the eggs.

“Our clients say it is heartwarming,” said Panlilio.

The quarantine gave the kitchen the opportunity to develop new products. The French bread pizza was a hit. The crustiness of the bread, the lushness of tomato sauce and the cheese come together for that savory taste. Panlilio attributed its popularity to the sauce, with its secret spices. The French bread pizza can be bought frozen for longer storage.

Panlilio attributed the success of her business to the repertoire of tried-and-tested recipes.

“They lend the taste of familiarity and comfort that we all need, given these times,” she said. —CONTRIBUTED